Information & Resources - Traffic Control
Traffic Signs
Stop Signs
4 way stop signs All-Way Stop Control Is Not a Speed Control DeviceMany of the requests received for additional stop signs are related to concerns of motorists speeding. Stop signs do cause motorists to slow down within one or two properties before and after the intersection but studies have shown that speeds actually increase at mid-block locations to the original speeds and often 5-10 km/hour higher as drivers attempt to make up the lost time due to the additional stop.
Issues of speeding should be referred to the Winnipeg Police Service for attention. Additionally, the SpeedWatch Program (a joint program between Manitoba Public Insurance and the Public Works Department Transportation Division) is available. SpeedWatch is an education and awareness program designed to educate drivers about the speeds they are traveling through the use of radar equipment and Speed Reader Boards and to prompt speeding drivers to adjust their speed accordingly. This equipment is available for use by residents whose presence operating the equipment further adds to the message sent to drivers that speeding is unacceptable on residential streets. Anyone interested in using SpeedWatch may contact the SpeedWatch Coordinator at (204) 985-7199.
All-Way Stop Control Does Not Reduce Traffic Volumes
Before and after studies of the effects of stop signs on traffic volumes have indicated little or no impact on vehicle volumes, unless there are multiple stop controlled intersections along a travelled route.
Excessive Stop Sign Usage Breeds Disrespect for ALL Traffic Signs
If a motorist perceives a stop sign as not serving any useful purpose (i.e. there is no or little cross-traffic to justify stopping), their respect for the sign and the officials approving and installing the signs is significantly diminished. Stop signs then become part of the landscape and their effectiveness is reduced.
Unwarranted Stop Signs Result in Unacceptable Levels of Stop Sign Noncompliance Based on stop sign compliance studies conducted at intersections where all-way stop control was installed but not warranted based on traffic volumes, an average of 30% of the motorists approaching the intersection do not come to a complete stop. In general, if people see no reason for the sign, they pay no attention to it.
Unwarranted Stop Signs are a Potential Safety Hazard to Pedestrians and Other Motorists
Disregard and disrespect of stop signs by the motorist decreases safety. Pedestrians may be lured into a false sense of security by the presence of a stop sign by assuming that motorists will stop. Young children who are brought up to believe that people obey laws are the most vulnerable victims. With respect to other motorists, they too may assume a motorist will stop because of the presence of the sign and enter the intersection when it is not safe to do so, thus resulting in the potential for a collision.
All-Way Stop Control May Not Decrease Collisions at the Intersection But Change the Type of Collision
All-way stop control does reduce the number of right-angle and left with opposing
through collisions. However, there is an increase in the number of rear-end and
fixed object collisions, especially if there is a high volume of traffic being required to
stop unnecessarily.
Unwarranted Stop Signs Result in Noise and Air Pollution and Fuel Consumption
Residents living nearest the intersection experience an increase in traffic noise
resulting from increased tire noise and engine noise (stopping and accelerating).
This stopping and accelerating also increases automobile exhaust and the effects of
stopping, idling and accelerating increase the amount of fuel being consumed.
Proper Use of All-Way Stop Control
The purpose of all-way stop control (3-way or 4-way stop signs) is to assign right-of-way to traffic approaching an intersection. As with all roadway signs and regulations, it is important to use consistent signing practices. As such, the following information is considered in determining the placement of additional all-way stop signs:
- Traffic Volume All-way stop control may be recommended where there are
large traffic volumes (vehicles and pedestrians) approaching the intersection
from all directions and the volume of traffic approaching from each street is close to being equal. - Collision History All-way stop control may be recommended where there is
a high incidence of right angle and/or left with opposing through collisions.
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